Twins vs Pirates Preview: Ober Faces Keller in Week 62 Showdown

The Pirates won yesterday 6-5 in a game that came down to the final moment. Bryan Reynolds smashed a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to walk it off. The Twins scored first when Clemens launched a 365-foot shot, but Pittsburgh clawed back immediately. Then the drama kept building. Cruz belted a 450-foot bomb. Larnach answered with his own 424-foot blast. By game's end, Reynolds' left-field rocket gave Pittsburgh the edge. Now the Twins face an opponent riding high with confidence.

Bailey Ober gets the start for Minnesota against Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller. The Twins pitcher carries a 6.75 ERA into this matchup. Keller brings steadier numbers and experience as a former All-Star in 2023. The Pirates' veteran has been their rock next to ace Paul Skenes. This is a classic battle between two different pitching styles. Ober needs to keep the ball down and avoid the big mistakes. Keller will trust his experience to out-pitch his opponent. Whoever controls the strike zone likely controls this game.

Minnesota comes in at 27-31 after losing three straight games. Pittsburgh sits at 30-28 with one win in their recent streak. Both clubs need wins to climb out of tight spots in their division races. The Twins lean on steady pitching from Ryan and their rotation depth. The Pirates trust their ace Skenes plus veterans like Keller to carry them. Both teams have injury concerns sapping their depth. The game Saturday becomes crucial—each win matters when you're fighting for position.